The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens next week with a new batch of contestants ready to take on the baking challenges.

Viewers will notice some changes to this year’s series including a new co-host.

TV presenter Alison Hammond is replacing former co-host Matt Lucas but why is he not taking part in future series?

Why is Matt Lucas not hosting Bake Off this year?

Matt Lucas has been replaced by TV presenter Alison Hammond after he announced in December that he was stepping down from his role on the show.

The comedian and actor's reason for leaving The Great British Bake Off was because he could no longer commit to the programme’s schedule alongside his other projects.

Noel Fielding continues to be a host of the show and will be joined by Alison this series.

Who are this year’s contestants?

Viewers can expect a new batch of keen amateur bakers to show the judges what they can do.

Here are this year's contestants:

  • Tasha - Participation officer from Bristol
  • Saku - Intelligence analyst from Herefordshire
  • Rowan - English literature student from West Yorkshire
  • Nicky - Volunteer at a pet-therapy charity from the West Midlands
  • Matty - Science and PE teacher from Cambridgeshire
  • Keith - Chartered accountant from Hampshire
  • Josh - Post-doctoral research associate and chemist by trade from Leicestershire
  • Dana - Database administrator from Essex
  • Dan - Resource planner in civil engineering from Cheshire
  • Cristy - Personal assistant from east London
  • Amos - Manager of a deli from north London
  • Abbi - Delivery driver from Cumbria

When does The Great British Bake Off’s 2023 series start?

Viewers don’t have long to wait until they can tune into this year’s series.

The first episode will air on Tuesday, September 26 at 8pm on Channel 4.